Heart Rate Monitors

panduhburr
panduhburr Posts: 40 Member
edited November 7 in Fitness and Exercise
What kind of Heart Rate Monitor do you use? I want to get one this weekend but I'm having the hardest time deciding which one to get. It seems the Polar brand is pretty popular?

Let me know what you use and what you like about it! Thanks. :)
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Replies

  • scapez
    scapez Posts: 2,018 Member
    I have a Polar FT7. The FT7 and FT4 are both popular models.
  • ChRiStA_1983
    ChRiStA_1983 Posts: 380 Member
    I have the Polar FT4, and it's FANTASTIC!
  • greeneyes82
    greeneyes82 Posts: 315 Member
    Hi, I use a Polar F7 with a chest strap & I love it! If I'm not mistaken, they aren't made anymore but did replace it. You can search it if you like. I checked out reviews before purchasing mine. I suggest you get one with a chest strap for a constant heart rate.
  • annameier8706
    annameier8706 Posts: 417 Member
    I just got the Garmin FR60 bundle. It came with the watch, the chest strap, a footpod (to track running), and a usb stick so it can interface with the computer. It's really simple to use, and it tracks and stores everything on the computer. The chest strap is really comfortable and it stays in place really well (I used it for zumba and it stayed in place even with all the twsiting and stuff).
  • SwimKitty
    SwimKitty Posts: 122 Member
    I am also interested in one and not sure what to get. I need something that'll give me calories burned, etc. but simplicity is key for me. Thanks for asking the question!
  • alexandria412
    alexandria412 Posts: 177 Member
    I've been reading a bunch of reviews online, too. I want something that won't break immediately, but I don't need anything fancy - just my BPM! All these bells and whistles overwhelm me.
  • annameier8706
    annameier8706 Posts: 417 Member
    Make sure you get one with a chest strap, the first one I had didn't have one and I took it back because it was a big pain
  • lawson305
    lawson305 Posts: 103
    i use the polar ft80 (ideal for weight training); just bought the polar ft40 about 2 seconds ago for a gift :heart:
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I've used both a Polar FT7/FT60 and they are both awesome monitors.

    Easy to use and set up, plus they are pretty accurate.

    FT60 has a lot more bells and whistles then the Ft4/Ft7, so it depends on what you want to do really.
  • akjmart2002
    akjmart2002 Posts: 263 Member
    You can't go wrong with the Polar FT7. The downside to this model, in my opinion, is that it doesn't let you tweak your metabolic settings (like V02Max), which have a significant impact on the estimate calories burned during exercise. If this is important to you, then go for a more advanced model like the Polar FT40 or FT60.

    Don't go uber-budget when it comes to HRMs. It's tempting to buy cheap, but then your estimates will be crap and can throw off your weight-loss plan. Polar is a reliably accurate (for the most part) brand.
  • dan323
    dan323 Posts: 271 Member
    I have a Timex. It works fine and I have had no issues . I have had it since June 2011.
  • LesaDave
    LesaDave Posts: 1,480 Member
    Thanks. I was thinking the same questions. Thanks for your help.
  • geraldm55
    geraldm55 Posts: 130
    in my brief research on them I was told that the biggest difference in them is the more you pay for them the more extras you can get for them. I only wanted one for my heart rate and calories and don't care if it interfaces with my computer so I bought a timex and it works great for me and it was fairly inexpensive.
  • kattygirl0499
    kattygirl0499 Posts: 41 Member
    So for those of you with the timex - I just got the zone trainer - I'm finding it is showing a MUCH higher calorie burn than my Nike+. I walked for 30 mins last night - 4mph. Nike+ showed a 280 or so but the HRM showed 440. It seems like a huge difference to me, so I'm a little afraid to trust it.

    I did use the submax tests to establish max heart rate - but still. Just wondering if you saw significant differences as well. Got some great feedback from a guy on another thread yesterday who really knows HRM's, so I think I'm OK and I understand what I'm seeing - but was wondering if you had the same experience.
  • O2Bslimagain
    O2Bslimagain Posts: 120 Member
    I have a Timex. It works fine and I have had no issues . I have had it since June 2011.
    Dan, does the Timex have the chest strap?
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I have a Timex. It works fine and I have had no issues . I have had it since June 2011.
    Dan, does the Timex have the chest strap?

    Timex's for females are a crap shoot because most assume you are a male and thus give the calorie count of one.

    I had one once and it told me I burned 580 calories walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes... do that same exercise with a Polar FT60 and I burn 200-280... Significantly less.

    Do yourself a favor and don't buy one.
  • AmyLeighWarren
    AmyLeighWarren Posts: 13
    I just got a Polar FT4 in Pink. LOVE IT!
    It does everything i need it to and i can use it in the pool.
  • amfeierabend74
    amfeierabend74 Posts: 134
    I have a Polar FT4 and I love it. So easy to use. Watch for deals on Amazon! Thats where I got mine
  • ttulio
    ttulio Posts: 23 Member
    I've been using a Polar FT-80 for a couple of months. It works great and I love the fact that I can upload the results to my computer and track my progress, especially my peak and average heart rates during workouts. The biggest downside to it is that it doesn't give you any warning when the batteries need to be replaced, so you need to keep a couple on hand.
  • kattygirl0499
    kattygirl0499 Posts: 41 Member
    That's exactly my problem!!! It's crazy. The timex is saying I'm burning 2x the cals anything else is. I've checked all the reviews and no one mentioned anything like that.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    That's exactly my problem!!! It's crazy. The timex is saying I'm burning 2x the cals anything else is. I've checked all the reviews and no one mentioned anything like that.

    A lot of Amazon mention that the calorie count is insane.. Esp for the 30 dollar one that seems to be popular thanks to Consumer Reports

    Do you're self a favor and get a Polar.. You'll save a lot of headache and time.
  • Civictuner95
    Civictuner95 Posts: 1
    I've been using a Mio Energy Pro for several months now. I like the flexibility of being able to use the chest strap during workouts or touch the bezel for instant readings anytime. I also like being able to plug in your personal data and have it monitor whether you below/in/above your target heart rate. The only downside I've had with it is that the watch face isn't glass so it does get scuffed up if you wear it daily. I've found Amazon to have the cheapest prices in general. Found a deal on mine on www.woot.com. Hope this is helpful!
  • lynzt16
    lynzt16 Posts: 48
    Polar FT60! Love it!
  • eddyca
    eddyca Posts: 153 Member
    I use a Garmin HRM1G using the ANT+ receiver through the digifit app on my iPhone. I love it because I can put my phone down while I'm working and and it will still receive the signal from up to 9ft away. I also love the detailed color coded charts that show you which HR zone you were in and for how long.
  • PrfctGdess
    PrfctGdess Posts: 257
    I have a Timex. It works fine and I have had no issues . I have had it since June 2011.

    The Polars are the most popular, but I couldn't afford that. :) I have a Timex T5G971 from Amazon - been using it since March 2011 and I love it! You can set it to show you either BPM or % of Max HR while you work out (whichever you prefer), and afterward it shows you time exercised, time in your "zone" (you define your zone), low HR, high HR, and cals burned. So plenty of info to work with, but not overwhelmingly so IMO
  • beeblebrox82
    beeblebrox82 Posts: 578 Member
    Timex is a disaster. DO NOT BUY. I have to factor all it's calorie counts by 2/3 to reflect actual burn. Conversations with Timex prove they have no interest in fixing, or even acknowledging the problem. It's a shame because I really like the watch and it's features, but the calorie burn is a trainwreck. Look elsewhere for your HRM needs!!
  • MikeInAZ
    MikeInAZ Posts: 483 Member
    I have a Polar FT7, but the FT4 is probably just as good, the FT7 just saves more workouts and has a couple extra features, but I think it's not worth the extra $25. Check out your local REI or D ic ks Sportings Goods, they will both price match each other.

    However, Costco has the BodyMedia Fit arm band devices on sale right now, both the regular and the bluetooth model. If you don't care about actually knowing your HEART RATE, but just want to know calories burned and activity, then I suggest this. You might check with your local store to see if they have it, otherwise, they have it on the website. I have a friend who has the Body Bug (same thing) and he LOVES it, he's lost like 50lbs with it.
  • lostsanity137
    lostsanity137 Posts: 298 Member
    I have a Polar FT4 with a chest strap and it is pretty awesome. It does what I want it to. It tells me my heart rate, when I am in my "zone" and calories burned. I think it does more than that but I haven't gone out of my way to check them out. The manual says you can even use it to swim! Which is exciting for summer! It was about $60 on Amazon.com which I think was a good price.
  • LiveEnjoyEndure
    LiveEnjoyEndure Posts: 98 Member
    I have the Polar FT4, and it's FANTASTIC!

    ^^^^ just started using a Polar FT4 and I concur ;-)
  • LiveEnjoyEndure
    LiveEnjoyEndure Posts: 98 Member
    I just got a Polar FT4 in Pink. LOVE IT!
    It does everything i need it to and i can use it in the pool.

    did not know you could use the FT4 in the pool ???
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